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Ugandan army refutes reports of arrest of military chief over presidential polls

Xinhua, February 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Ugandan army on Friday refuted reports that it had arrested the head of the force Gen. Katumba Wamala, ahead of the announcement of the final results of the Feb. 18 presidential polls.

Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, the army spokesperson told Xinhua by telephone that information circulating on social media platforms is intended to cause chaos and spark election violence.

"That is a rumor intended to create the impression that even within the forces there is confusion ahead of announcement of results," Ankunda said.

He said it was unfortunate that people make such allegations without consideration of the national security of the country.

Reports on social media platforms indicate that Gen. Katumba declined instructions to deploy troops in parts of the capital Kampala that had spates of violence.

Earlier on Friday violence broke out in parts of Kampala as vote counting in the Thursday general elections entered day two.

Opposition presidential candidate Kizza Besigye was briefly held by police at his party Forum for Democratic Change. The arrest and eventual release by police sparked the violence.

Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds that had started gathering at the party headquarters.

The final results of the presidential elections are expected to be announced on Saturday.

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is mainly facing off with Besigye and Amama Mbabazi, former prime minister. Endit